MONDAY, 12.15PM:
SOUTH AFRICA’S opening game against Western Australia in Perth ended in a draw on Sunday. Western Australia never showed much interest in chasing a fourth-innings target of 289 in 52 overs.
South Africa declared immediately after lunch at 167/3 with Hansie Cronje at 59 not out off 70 balls and Adam Bacher with an unbeaten 69 off 153 balls. When both captains decided to call it a day, 30 minutes before the scheduled time, Western Australia were at 147/2 with Michael Hussey unbeaten on 74 — his second half-century in this match.
Cronje was pleased with the perfomance of the team and that most of the top order had spent time in the middle, with the exception of Jacques Kallis, who made only 10 and 0. Cronje praised Gary Kirsten for his consistency in the match. Kirsten spent more than eight hours batting in his 201 in the first innings and 19 in the second.
“I’m delighted at Gary’s form and he got a lot of practice facing bowlers coming around the wicket at him, because that’s probably one of the areas where the Australians will target him,” said Cronje.
Meanwhile, Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock have been rested for Tuesday’s 50-over warm up against a Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval. Opening batsman Gary Kirsten and Dave Richardson — 12th man — will not start the game. Filling the gaps are Makhaya Ntini, Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs and Lance Klusener.
THE SQAUDS:
SOUTH AFRICA: Adam Bacher, Herschelle Gibbs, Lance Klusener, Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Kallis, Hansie Cronje, Brian McMillan, Pat Symcox, Mark Boucher, Makhaya Ntini. 12thman: Dave Richardson.
PRIME MINISTER’S XI: Michael Slater (captain), Darren Berry, Mark Higgs, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Martin Love, Jimmy Maher, Brad Williams, Paul Wilson, Brad Young, Shaun Young. 12thman: Michael Dawn.